There will
the ships of Israel come bowing over the waters with the riches of the
world, and our wharves will be crowded with purple and gold and
frankincense. Babylon shall do homage on the right hand and Egypt upon
the left, and the straight smoke from Jehovah's altar will rise from
the center unfailing by day or by night."
They had reached the ledge and Kenkenes sat down on it, leaning on one
hand across Rachel's way. She paused near him. Even in the dark he
could see the light in her eyes, and the joy of anticipation was in her
voice. As yet he did not know whether she talked of the Israelitish
conception of supernal life, or of a belief in a temporal redemption.
"And there shall be no death nor any of the world-sorrows therein?" he
asked.
"Since we shall dwell in the world we may not escape the world's
uncertainties," she replied, looking at his lifted face. "But most men
live better lives when they live happily, and I doubt not there will be
less unhappiness, provident or fortuitous, in Israel, the nation, than
in Israel, enslaved."
So the slave talked of freedom as slaves talk of it--hopefully and
eloquently. A pity asserted itself in the young sculptor's heart and
grew to such power that it tinctured his speech.
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